Nuclear victims

The nuclear age has many victims. These include those who were killed or injured in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. People have also died or become sick as a result of nuclear testing, and accidents at nuclear reactors have created widespread contamination of the land, leading to increased rates of cancer in the population. By honouring the victims, we improve the chances that our past mistakes won’t be repeated and that the mistakes of today will one day be put to a halt.

Suggestions

Hold a minute’s silence at your school to honour the victims of the nuclear age.

Dedicate an event or piece of writing to the victims of the nuclear age.

Hold a candlelight vigil in a public space to raise awareness about nuclear dangers.

Mark Hiroshima Day, 6 August, by folding Japanese peace cranes.

Organize a peace and disarmament concert with music, dances and plays.

Create a “graffiti wall” with personal accounts from survivors.

Lijon’s story

I was eight years old at the time of the Bravo nuclear test on Bikini Atoll in 1954. I woke up with a bright light in my eyes. It was a brilliant light that consumed the sky. Soon after, we heard a loud noise and the earth started to sway and sink. Then it began to snow. We had heard about snow from the missionaries, but this was the first time we saw white particles fall from the sky. We played in the powder, but later everyone was sick. My own health has suffered as a result of radiation poisoning. I cannot have children. I have had seven miscarriages.